In loving memory of

Darla Merwald 07/21/2021
March 17, 1956 - July 21, 2021

Darla Jean (Ver Ploeg) Merwald, 65 of Marshalltown, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 surrounded by Ed, Mike, and Missy at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. Darla had a difficult battle with Lewy Body Dementia and is finally at peace. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 26, 2021 at St. Francis of Assisi ~ St. Henry Catholic Church in Marshalltown. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, July 25, 2021 with a 7:00 p.m. Vigil Service at Anderson Funeral Homes in Marshalltown. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the University of Iowa Center for Advancement to support Alzheimer's Disease Research Fund - Lewy Body Research or the Iowa 4-H Foundation designated to the Iowa State 4-H Horse Program. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com


Darla was born on March 17, 1956 in Oskaloosa, Iowa to Chadwick & Irene (Elscott) Ver Ploeg. She grew up on the family farm near Sully, Iowa with 3 siblings. Darla & Ed Merwald found each other in Marshalltown and married in 1985. Mike was born in 1986 and Missy was born in 1988 and are Darla & Ed's pride and joy. Darla spent her days riding, showing, and judging horses while also supporting the Iowa State 4-H Horse Program. Most importantly, she always took care of her family above all things even through her passing. Darla has been described as a spitfire, feisty, caring, loving, a horse show mom, spirited, and always on the go!

Darla is survived by her husband, Ed of 36 years, her children; Mike (Lindsay) Merwald of Leawood, Kansas, Missy (Dusty) Grothoff of Ankeny, Iowa, her grandson, Myles Merwald, her siblings; Doyle (Karna) Ver Ploeg, Diane (Steve) Vos, Duane (Myrna) Ver Ploeg. Darla is predeceased by her parents Chadwick & Irene Ver Ploeg and Ed's parents, William & Delores Merwald, and a brother in infancy.

Darla will forever be loved and forever be remembered.

Tributes

Kendra Davis wrote on Jul 28, 2021:

"Ed and family Thinking of you during this difficult time. I remember being trained and working with Darla at Younkers back in 1989ish. We had many good laughs and a lot of fun. She was a wonderful lady and I know she will be missed dearly by her family and friends. "

Jeanette Rankin wrote on Jul 27, 2021:

"Prayers for all God Bless. Jim & Jeanette Rankin"

Attila & Aranka Szabo wrote on Jul 26, 2021:

"Dear Ed and the Merwald Family, Our prayers and heartfelt condolences goes out to Your Family for loosing Darla as a Loving Wife, Caring Mother with Amazing Personality dedicated Her Life to the Family and the Community. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. "

Mike and Peg Hawkins wrote on Jul 25, 2021:

" Ed, Mike an Missy you have our deepest sympathy an prayers. Know that has added an angel. Darks was such a kind person. God bless you and your family. And watch over you all during this most difficult time. "

Jane and Bob Supenski wrote on Jul 25, 2021:

"Ed, may our Lord bless and comfort you. Sending our deepest condolences to you and your family. "

Dianne Rinehart wrote on Jul 24, 2021:

"Dear Missy, Ed, and Mike. My heart aches for your loss. Sarah always loved spending time with you all and enjoyed her many visits to your home. Darla was a gem with kids. We always knew if the kids were with her they were safe, having fun, and on best behavior. Some of my best memories were with the kids at 4H in the horse and sheep barns, usually playing cards and hanging around the animals. We always tried to find Darla and Missy at the state fair as well and Sarah often spent extended time with Missy and Darla. Most of my memories with Darla were with the girls, the fairs, and in your stables working with the horses and cleaning stalls. She was a wonderful woman, quick to smile and enjoyed life. May your memories, faith, and love sustain you and comfort you. Darla will be missed by many and she made the world a better place. We were lucky to know her. "

Carol Rahn wrote on Jul 23, 2021:

"My deepest sympathy to all Darla's family. I worked with Darla at Anson Middle. She was always so kind and fun. I'm especially saddened that she's been suffering. May your memories of beautiful Darla give you peace. Carol Rahn"

Helen Lu wrote on Jul 23, 2021:

"So very sorry for your sad loss, Ed. My sincere sympathy and thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time"

Ron and Julaine Duimstra wrote on Jul 23, 2021:

"We express our deepest sympathies to you and your family Ed. May God comfort you in your time of sorrow. Ron and Julaine Duimstra"

Elizabeth Adams wrote on Jul 23, 2021:

"Just so very sad for you, Ed, Michael and Missy. Darla was one of my favorite Fisher wives. We could shop like no one else in a short period of time. I also appreciated both Ed and Darla for allowing me to teach Missy two years in a row. Congratulations, Missy on your marriage. Just know that every horse I see reminds me of Darla. Liz and Mark Adams"

Dierdre Taylor wrote on Jul 23, 2021:

"Ed, Mike, and Missy, Brandy, DJ and I send our deepest sympathies. Draw comfort in knowing God is in control and Darla is now in Heaven without any pain or confusion. While she will be missed on this earth, rest assured she is waiting for you in Heaven where one day you will all be joined together again. Thinking of you all and remembering the times we watched the girls played basketball together. Much love, Dierdre, Dee, Brandy, and DJ "

Les Fleming wrote on Jul 23, 2021:

"So very sorry for your loss, Ed. My prayers go out to you and your family."

Wendy Zee wrote on Jul 23, 2021:

"My deepest sympathies go out to Ed, Mike & Missy. family.. It has been a pleasure gotten to know Darla. She is so kind, warm and caring lady whom I will greatly missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Wendy Zee & Nelson Neo"

Laura Morine wrote on Jul 22, 2021:

"Sending thoughts and prayers to the family. We always looked forward to shows when Darla was the judge. She will be missed by many. Eric & Laura Morine"

SP Goh wrote on Jul 22, 2021:

"Our prayers and heartfelt condolences goes out to the Merwald family for the loss. It was truly a pleasure to have gotten to know Darla. She was such a kind and lovely person from the number of occasions we met, Always chatting about family and how we got along. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Sincerely: SP and Fiona Goh."

Julie Merwald Maloney wrote on Jul 22, 2021:

"Ed, Mike, and Missy, with deepest sympathy on the loss of Darla! A beautiful, kind hearted soul loss to soon! May perpetual light shine upon Darla! All of you will be in our thoughts and prayers! Love, Julie&Phil, Alyson, Theresa, and Bridgid Maloney!?????"

Carol Craven wrote on Jul 22, 2021:

"Darla was an amazing friend, always caring for others and so much fun to be around. She was a sweet and special person and will be greatly missed. Hugs, love and prayers to Ed, Missy, Mike and her whole family at this sad time. May she Rest In Peace until we meet again. "

rosie dalton wrote on Jul 22, 2021:

"What an amazing woman and friend Darla was. We had so many fun times especially all of the cleaning at SAE. We will miss her so much and are so grateful that our paths crossed so many years ago. Our love and condolences to Ed, Mike, Missy and families. Chuck and Rosie Dalton"